CMM Probe Vector Alignment for Complex Geometry Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) face challenges in efficiently measuring objects with complex geometries, often requiring longer measurement times compared to the manufacturing time of the object.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to efficiently measure complex objects by segmenting the object into smaller segments based on ideal vectors, aligning the probe vector with the part vector, and determining the wrist orientation in the CMM coordinate space to define a part vector and probe vector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the CMM probe traverses slowly around complex geometry objects to ensure accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex geometry object is divided into multiple segments based on ideal vectors. Each segment can be measured with a specific wrist orientation, allowing the measurement process to be broken down into efficient, discrete operations rather than continuous slow traversal.
Solution Approach 2:
The ideal vectors and wrist orientations are determined in advance before the actual measurement begins. This preliminary planning allows the CMM to jump directly to optimal measurement positions and orientations, eliminating the need for slow, continuous traversal and reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If the CMM probe continuously changes wrist orientation to measure different segments, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The object is segmented into measurable portions, each associated with an ideal vector. This segmentation allows the system to plan wrist orientation changes in advance and execute them efficiently, measuring multiple segments with each wrist position rather than continuously reorienting.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process maintains continuity by grouping segments that can be measured with the same wrist orientation. The CMM measures all segments within a group before changing wrist orientation, eliminating unnecessary intermediate movements and maintaining productive action throughout the measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method measures an object having a feature. The feature has a plurality of profiles each having a surface. The method provides a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) having a wrist coupled with a measuring prob. The probe has a tolerance angle with respect to a surface normal of a surface to be measured. The wrist has a first given orientation that is adjustable to a second given orientation. The method determines an ideal vector that can be used to measure a given segment within the tolerance. The method also determines the wrist orientation in a CMM coordinate space. The method determines the ideal vector in the CMM coordinate space to define a part vector. A probe vector is determined from the wrist and probe characteristics. The probe vector is aligned with the part vector. The feature is measured.